Question

An apple falling from a tree experiences a force by the earth. Which of the following statements is true in this context?

• A. The earth experiences a repulsive force.
• B. The earth experiences an equal force as experienced by the apple.
• C. The earth experiences an equal and opposite force as experienced by the apple.
• D. The earth does not experience any force due to the apple.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The earth experiences an equal and opposite force as experienced by the apple.

The gravitational force of attraction exists between the apple and the earth. Both the bodies experience force of equal magnitude, but the forces are opposite in direction. These forces are action-reaction pairs.

Force is a vector quantity. The force experienced by the earth is not equal to the force experienced by the apple.